1985 280 SEL buy or run?
 

Ive only worked on and driven MB diesels and I have an opportunity to puchase a 1985 280SEL. Ive never come across or seen a this model trim before for a w126 - I think its a Gray Market car. The car is overall in good shape, no rust, good paint and clean interior and it has about 177k on the clock. The seller is asking $2500 for it.

I quite aware of the things to look out for when purchasing a MB diesel but are there any other things I should be weary of? What do you guys think of the price (he is pretty firm on the price btw)? Are these too high of miles for a gasser? Any input would be appreciated...

Thanks

Yes, only Grey Market.

Great motor, the M110. I really like those. The M110 likes to drink oil and seep oil, not a huge issue. Think of it like the M103, but with twin cams and solid lifters (there's valve adjustment needed on them). At that mileage it's coming up on a valve job.

It could have a four speed manual, manual climate, manual glass, etc. Could be a total stripper car or high option.

I don't know if I'd use one for daily use, but I'd certainly consider it if you have a solid candidate if you're looking for a daily. Most of what applies to the W126 Diesel applies to the W126 gas. Fuel pumps need to be changed at the mileage (cheap) and all rubber has to be done for vac leaks.



Not sure of your location, but Grey Market stuff is coming off the road here in droves in Texas... well most of the US in general. If you like the car, grab it... they don't come up often in good shape.

I was going to compose my sentences delicately, but wasn't able to do so without serious grammatical errors (more than usual, anyway).

Instead....

It is a nearly 24 year old car, that wants a more than the average amount of fuel.
You can get about the same mpg from a V8, and leave the line quicker - if you drive highway, the 6 is fine.
If you're going to spend that kind of money (not just now, but on repairs as well) the initital purchase price, will be eclipsed by the parts and labor in the future, so you might as well go for the V8 - plus, used parts will be easier to find.

If you must have 17' of car, then go for it.
If you must have another Benz, and it needs to be in that price range (or abouts) then I would like to steer you to a 124 (not because I have one for sale).

Yeah, don't buy a W126 gasser for the fuel economy.

I've got a 1985 280SE with 113,000 miles on it, I paid way too much (another story) but I do love the car. Mine's automatic (sadly) but has got plenty of pep if you hold the shifter down taking off from low speed. Seriously, while it doesn't have too much power it's very adequate and will blow the socks off any diesel. I get about 16-17 mpg around town, just got 26 mpg on the highway! It does use oil. And requires premium fuel.

I have read that in addition to the valves it's important to check the timing chain guide rails, but otherwise it's a high mileage engine, if you're a DYIer the engine bay is fantastic (huge compared to the engine and the lack of all the crap on federal cars)...Of course the gray market cars were brought in by different importers and received different treatments, mine appears to only have the addition of a catalytic converter and a US speedo.

That's exactly why I jumped in on my 80' 280SL. I live by the DIY Bible and the amount of working room with a M110 is amazing compared to the V-8s.

A lot of how you leave the line depends on the differential ratio. The M110 usually have the higher ratios so you'll be running high RPMs on the highway (hence also why the poorer mileage with the smaller engine). If you are not too concerned about burning out at every traffic light then you can get the lower ratio differentials, such as a 2.88 out of an 85 deisel (D, SD, or TD) and save some gas in the long run.

Also, a euro M110 is rated as about 185 HP, which is pretty good considering some of the U.S. version V-8s put out less than that!

Not sure what you mean here . . . Are people selling them more so than before?

Most people can't find parts for the Grey Market stuff, so they're junked. :(

Gotcha. What most people also don't realize is Mercedes are like Lego's - you can mix and match parts pretty much all the time with the U.S. models.

Yup, but most don't realize this. :D